Lesson 3 - Control & Concentration Yoga
Balance & Breath Wellness
•Year 4
•Yoga
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use breath and body awareness to develop concentration and self-confidence?
Learning Objectives
- To work with control whilst isolating different body parts in yoga poses
- To maintain concentration and focus during mindful movement sequences
- To develop self-motivation and physical confidence through challenging poses
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled movement in isolation exercises
- Students will show sustained concentration during breathing and movement sequences
- Students will display increased self-confidence and motivation in challenging poses
Equipment & Resources Required
Arranged in rows with adequate spacing for movement
Alternative: Towels or carpet squares if mats unavailable
Volume low enough for instruction to be heard clearly
Alternative: Natural silence if no music system available
Key Vocabulary
A foundational standing pose with feet parallel and body tall and strong
A balancing pose standing on one leg with the other foot placed against the standing leg
A flowing sequence of yoga poses linked with breath
An inverted V-shape pose with hands and feet on the ground
A resting pose sitting back on heels with forehead to the ground
Focused attention and mindfulness practice to calm the mind
A positive statement repeated to build confidence and self-belief
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of yoga poses from Unit 1
- Experience with breathing techniques
- Ability to follow simple movement instructions
Current Skills
- Control and isolation of body parts
- Sustained concentration techniques
- Self-motivation and confidence building
Next Steps
- Advanced sun salutation sequences
- Partner yoga poses
- Extended meditation practices
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always emphasise personal practice over perfect poses
- Coordinate breathing with movement throughout all sequences
- Maintain clear physical boundaries and consent during partner activities
- Use modifications freely to accommodate all abilities
- Focus on mindfulness and body awareness over achievement
- Create calm, non-competitive atmosphere throughout session
- End with gratitude practice to promote positive mindset
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga requires extreme flexibility - emphasise that yoga develops flexibility gradually
- Everyone should look the same in poses - celebrate individual differences and modifications
- Deeper poses are better - focus on proper alignment and personal limits
- Yoga is only about physical poses - highlight breath, mindfulness, and emotional benefits
- Competition with others is helpful - emphasise personal practice and self-acceptance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter pose holds with more transitions, use movement breaks, provide fidget-friendly alternatives
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose variations, extra time for transitions, partner support for complex sequences
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and predictable structure, quiet space available if overwhelmed, visual schedule of poses
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, allow tactile guidance with consent, partner support for demonstration
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all movements, use hand signals for breathing cues, written pose cards available
physical disability
- Chair-based modifications for all poses, adapted versions of sequences, focus on breath work
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, vocabulary development with yoga terms, creating personal affirmations
Maths
Counting breaths and repetitions, understanding symmetry in poses, measuring time for pose holds
Science
Study of the respiratory system and how breathing affects the body, understanding balance and gravity in yoga poses
PSHE
Mindfulness and emotional regulation, building self-confidence, appropriate physical boundaries and consent
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around room to provide individual guidance, position for clear demonstration visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for proper alignment, breathing technique, and respectful interaction with others
Intervention Points
Step in if students are struggling with balance, provide modifications, ensure appropriate physical contact
Demonstration Notes
Show modifications for all poses, emphasise personal practice over perfection, model mindful awareness throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply and find your focus'
- •'Modify as needed - listen to your body'
- •'Gentle touch only during massage'
- •'Every body is different - honour yours'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 4m x 4m clear space per student with additional space for sun salutation sequence
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential for yoga poses, yoga mats provide cushioning and grip
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check yoga mats for tears or slippery areas
- •Ensure adequate spacing between mats
- •Remove any obstacles from movement area
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Falls during balance poses
- •Inappropriate physical contact during massage
- •Overstraining in poses
- •Neck strain in inversions
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear instruction on appropriate touch boundaries
- •Emphasis on modifications and personal limits
- •Constant supervision during partner activities
- •Gradual progression in pose difficulty
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during balance poses
- •Monitor closely during group massage activity
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or discomfort
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school nurse if needed